Great Apes Lead Keeper
Full time @Gulf Breeze Zoo Shortlist Email JobJob Detail
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Job ID 11593
Job Description
Position Summary
As Gulf Breeze Zoo continues to grow, we are expanding our Animal Care leadership team through a new departmental structure designed to provide greater support for our staff, animals, and conservation mission.
The Great Apes Lead is responsible for the daily operation, supervision, and animal care standards of the zoo’s great ape department, including western lowland gorillas and orangutans. This position serves as the first-line supervisor for Animal Care Specialists assigned to the department while actively participating in all aspects of great ape husbandry, training, enrichment, and animal management.
Working closely with the Curator of Primates, the Great Ape Lead ensures exceptional animal welfare, safe operations, professional staff development, and compliance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.
Essential Responsibilities
- Provide daily leadership and supervision for Animal Care Specialists assigned to the Great Ape Department while fostering a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.
- Oversee all aspects of daily husbandry, behavioral management, enrichment, protected contact training, exhibit maintenance, and welfare monitoring for the zoo’s gorillas and orangutans.
- Monitor animal health and behavior, maintain accurate records, assist veterinary staff with medical procedures and conditioning programs, and promptly communicate concerns to the Curator.
- Ensure compliance with Gulf Breeze Zoo policies, USDA regulations, ZAA accreditation standards, OSHA requirements, and established great ape safety protocols.
- Serve as acting department supervisor in the Curator’s absence, participate in emergency response procedures, and lead by example through exceptional animal care, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
- Minimum of three years of professional zoological experience, including experience working with great apes.
- Previous supervisory, leadership, or staff training experience preferred.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
To Apply
Please email your resume to:
Director, Hunter Hullett
hhullett@gulfbreezezoo.org